PROVO — The Brigham Young University Religious Studies Center recently reprinted a small number of copies of its book, "Modern Perspectives on Nauvoo and the Mormons." Originally printed in 2003, this rare book is now available at the BYU Bookstore for $29.95.

In 2001, Larry E. Dahl and Don Norton supervised the interviewing of 26 long-term Nauvoo residents and compiled their conversations into the book "Modern Perspectives on Nauvoo and the Mormons." This record of oral history was intended to preserve otherwise undocu- mented historical accounts.

The city of Nauvoo, Ill., was once a bustling city with thousands of residents but is now a quiet, peaceful town of about 1,200. Many of the city's long-term residents are descended from Nauvoo's early settlers and are conversant about family stories and historical events, including the causes of conflict and violence that led to the exodus of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.